Accumulator Piston Assembly with Laser Alignment and Guide Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of large pistons in cylinders, such as those used in subsea accumulators, often result in costly damage due to misalignment, requiring multiple personnel and lacking precise alignment mechanisms, which are not only inefficient but also prone to damaging the piston and cylinder.
Innovation Solution
An accumulator assembly system featuring a frame with vee blocks, a laser alignment system, alignment screws, a piston support carriage driven by a drive train, and a push rod for precise alignment and insertion/removal of pistons, along with a removable protective guide sleeve to prevent damage to the cylinder's inner threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple personnel are used to align and install the piston manually, then the installation process can be performed, but the alignment precision is insufficient and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with a laser alignment system that uses optical beams to establish precise alignment references. The laser alignment system projects alignment marks that guide the piston insertion, eliminating the imprecision of manual alignment while maintaining ease of operation through automated guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alignment blocks as intermediary components that facilitate precise alignment between the piston and cylinder. These blocks serve as mediators that translate the laser alignment references into physical positioning, enabling accurate alignment without direct manual manipulation.
2Device complexity
If no protective measures are used during piston installation, then the installation process is simpler, but the cylinder and piston are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs protective guide sleeves that are installed beforehand on the cylinder to cushion and protect the cylinder bore and piston during the insertion process. These sleeves act as sacrificial protective elements that prevent direct contact and potential damage between the piston and cylinder surfaces during alignment and insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective guide sleeves serve as intermediary components between the piston and cylinder, providing a protective interface that prevents damage while allowing the piston to pass through. These sleeves mediate the interaction between the two components, distributing forces and preventing concentrated stress that could cause damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed alignment system is used, then alignment can be maintained, but the system cannot accommodate different piston and cylinder sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable alignment blocks and protective guide sleeves that can be repositioned and reconfigured to accommodate different piston and cylinder sizes. The alignment system includes adjustable components that can be dynamically repositioned along the laser alignment references, maintaining precision while adapting to various dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal alignment and protection system where the same basic components (alignment blocks, protective guide sleeves, laser alignment system) can be used across multiple piston and cylinder sizes. The system achieves multi-functionality through adjustable and reconfigurable elements that maintain alignment precision regardless of the specific component dimensions.
4Productivity
If piston removal is performed without proper alignment mechanisms, then the removal process is faster, but cylinder wall damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The protective guide sleeves serve as intermediary components during piston removal, providing continuous protection to the cylinder wall as the piston is extracted. These sleeves maintain the protective interface throughout the removal process, preventing direct contact between the piston surface and cylinder wall that could cause scoring or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces unguided manual removal with a laser-aligned removal system that uses optical references to guide the piston extraction. This substitution maintains precise alignment during removal, ensuring the piston follows the correct path and prevents lateral forces that could damage the cylinder wall.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures proper alignment and reduces personnel requirements, preventing damage to the piston and cylinder during installation and removal, while being cost-effective and durable, thus overcoming the inefficiencies of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a laser alignment system comprising a laser and a laser alignment block having a laser alignment sight
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is an apparatus, system and method to properly align and install large pistons in cylinders that holds both the piston and cylinder being assembled, and has a number of alignment mechanisms such as but not limited to a laser.